I found it amongst a pile of garbage at a small fishing boat harbour.
It seems to be in good condition except the plastic float/light unit is cracked and therefore the lights wouldn't be operative. But the SS cannister seems to be unused/un-activated.
But I am worried about what is inside it.
It turns out I've found a buoy/marker, smoke/light signal device.
It is about 40 cm long and made of stainless steel. The diameter of the canister is approximately 10 cm.
There was a plastic float/light ring around it.
As I said, I just wanted the canister, and I loosened one of the three screws holding the top on. At this top/lid there is a small ring induction-welded on the top in the middle.
When unscrewing I noticed a release of gas. It may have been inflammable. It had a sweet and cloying smell, but I can't describe it well. The smell lingered a while.
So I put the screw back home and put the canister outside for the moment.
Now after some internet checking I have discovered it is an automatic smoke-signalling device with lights. I wanted to find out what was inside it as I really do want the container. But I'm very concerned it might be dangerous to open it.
Apparently it is supposed to emit orange smoke, and it is activated by pulling a cord somewhere. But I am not sure as the only place with a pull tag I could find is the one at the top which seems to be a lid, which is held on by three screws.
I also learnt it is classified as a hazardous device and requires special handling for deliveries, and that it is technically a pyrotechnic device.
Can anyone let me know what is inside it? And whether it is a good idea to open it?
* I have half a mind to take it somewhere and dump it again.Statistics: Posted by mael — Tue Sep 02, 2008 4:43 pm
]]>